Academic Study: The Use of Paper Towels for Hand Drying Stands Out in Terms of Hygiene

Hand hygiene is an important hygiene practice in shared-use environments, from hospitals and schools to restaurants, hotels, and business centers. However, hand hygiene is not limited to washing hands. The drying method used after handwashing may also be important in terms of the transfer of microorganisms to the surrounding environment.

In shared-use environments, different systems such as paper towels, jet air dryers, and warm air dryers are used for hand drying.

The pilot study titled “From the hospital toilet to the ward,” published in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology on the Cambridge Core platform, compared the effects of jet air dryers and paper towels on the spread of microorganisms into the environment.

What Was Examined in the Study?

In the study, a bacteriophage was used to represent microbial contamination, and the transfer of contamination to hands, clothing, and various surfaces within the hospital environment after hand drying was examined.

The study reported that the use of paper towels resulted in lower levels of contamination on hands and clothing compared with the use of a jet air dryer.

The researchers also evaluated contamination on various surfaces within the hospital after the hand-drying process. The results of the study showed that, under the conditions examined, the hand-drying method used could make a difference in the transfer of microorganisms to the surrounding environment.

Comparison of Paper Towels and Jet Air Dryers

The study reported that higher levels of bacteriophage contamination were detected on the hospital surfaces examined following the use of a jet air dryer compared with the use of paper towels.

These results indicate that, particularly in hospital environments, the hand-drying method may be one of the factors that can be considered in terms of the transfer of microorganisms to the surrounding environment.

However, it should be kept in mind that the research in question was a pilot study. The findings should be evaluated within the methodology and conditions under which the study was conducted.

This section has been prepared for informational purposes as a summary based on the findings of the relevant academic study. For complete information regarding the methodology, scope, limitations, and results of the research, the original academic publication should be consulted.

Source

Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology – “From the hospital toilet to the ward: A pilot study on microbe dispersal to multiple hospital surfaces following hand drying using a jet air dryer versus paper towels”

Cambridge Core:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/from-the-hospital-toilet-to-the-ward-a-pilot-study-on-microbe-dispersal-to-multiple-hospital-surfaces-following-hand-drying-using-a-jet-air-dryer-versus-paper-towels/FA51D26C9C3DC261D35F122EF97593D5

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Vialli Professional Paper Towel Solutions

The following section contains information about Vialli's own products and systems. The Vialli products and product features mentioned here do not imply any product recommendation, approval, or endorsement by the authors of the academic study referenced above, the scientific journal in which it was published, or Cambridge University Press.

At Vialli, we design and manufacture various products for professional environments, including paper towel dispensers, folded paper towel dispensers, and roll towel dispensers.

Our products are developed by taking into consideration the different requirements of hospitals, clinics, restaurants, cafés, hotels, schools, shopping malls, offices, factories, and other professional environments.

Vialli Paper Towel Dispensers

Vialli paper towel dispensers provide single-use paper towels to users within a closed and organized dispenser system.

The closed body structure of the paper towel dispenser helps keep the paper towels inside organized and protected within the area of use. Users can easily access the paper towels they need through the dispenser.

Vialli paper towel dispenser models, available in different capacities and designs, can be preferred for various professional environments depending on usage intensity and the type of paper used.

Z-Fold and C-Fold Paper Towel Systems

Z-fold and C-fold paper towels are types of paper towels that provide a single-use drying option after handwashing.

Keeping these products inside a suitable paper towel dispenser helps keep the paper organized within the area of use and allows users to easily access the paper towels they need.

Vialli dispenser models compatible with Z-fold and C-fold paper towels offer various options for different capacity and usage requirements.

Vialli Roll Towel Dispensers

In areas with high usage levels, roll paper towel systems provide an alternative hand-drying solution.

Vialli mechanical roll towel dispenser models can operate without electricity, batteries, or adapters. Thanks to the mechanical system, paper towels can be provided to users without the need for electronic components.

In medical lever-operated models, users can operate the paper towel dispensing mechanism with their arm or elbow instead of their hand. This makes it possible to obtain a paper towel without touching the dispenser's operating mechanism by hand.

This feature provides a practical usage alternative, particularly in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other professional environments.

Vialli for Professional Environments

Vialli offers solutions for the paper towel and hand-drying equipment needs of professional environments through various product groups, including paper towel dispensers, folded paper towel dispensers, paper towel dispensing systems, and roll towel dispensers.

For detailed information about Vialli dispenser systems developed for different capacities, paper types, and usage requirements, you can visit the relevant product pages.